Now that your child is 2, choose a toothbrush that's the right size for little hands. A pea-sized dollop of adult toothpaste can be used as soon as he understands he must spit it out. Fluoride-free toddler toothpastes are a good choice for teaching the brush-then-spit behavior.
Begin flossing your child's teeth as soon as they start to touch one another. While children develop skills on different time frames, children under age 8 often need help to do a good job brushing and flossing.
If your drinking water is not fluoridated, ask your pediatrician about fluoride supplements. Remember that toddlers imitate everything that you do, so brush and floss in front of your child often.
Fluoride Facts:
What is fluoride?
The American Dental Association (ADA) has called fluoride "nature's cavity fighter," because it occurs naturally in places like soil, rocks, and even small amounts in water.
How Does Fluoride Help Control Cavities?
- Slows the breakdown of tooth enamel
- Helps enamel recover if it has begun to break down
- Makes the enamel more resistant to the acid produced by bacteria
- Hinders the process by which bacteria use sugars in plaque
- Affects the bacteria's production of sticky material on teeth
The more Fluoride the Better, Right?
No. Too much fluoride causes dental fluorosis, a cosmetic condition that, in its mild form, causes a white discoloration of the teeth. Your pediatrician is an excellent resource to determine if your child is receiving the appropriate amount of flouride.
This tip was adapted from the article "Get Miles Out of Those Smiles" by Emily Bridges.